THOMAS CONTINUES TEAM SKY’S DAUPHINE DOMINANCE

Since Bradley Wiggins' title in 2011 the British team have enjoyed unprecedented success, Thomas adding to Chris Froome's three successes and Wiggins' two.

Thomas – who assumed the race lead on Friday - went into the final day having extended his advantage by finishing second in Saturday's penultimate stage.

And he finished fifth on the final 136 kilometres from Moutiers to Saint-Gervais, losing 29 seconds of that advantage to Mitchelton-Scott rider Yates to finish the race a minute ahead of his British compatriot.

Romain Bardet, likely to be one of the main rivals for Froome at the Tour de France, finished third behind Daniel Navarro Garcia (Cofidis) on the stage and the AG2R La Mondiale rider rounded out the top three of the general classification.

Dario Cataldo (Astana) took the King of the Mountains jersey, Daryl Impey (Mitchelton-Scott) finished top of the points classification while Sky won the team title.